The purpose of this fieldbook is to provide a resource of practical, usable information, simply stated and readily adaptable. The fieldbook is designed as a reference to fit into a standard notebook. As you and your commissioner leaders review the Commissioner Fieldbook, discuss any modifications of staff methods that may be necessary to produce more effective unit operation in your district. Write these out clearly and insert them in the proper section. The fieldbook allows your commissioner service to be flexible in method while remaining firm in purpose and principle.

The Fieldbook includes the following major sections:

Commissioner orientation including 10 orientation projects to be completed with the help of your district commissioner or assistant district commissioner.

The Commissioner Concept including a note on service to Explorer posts and a brief historical note.

No, you don't carry a rope and life buoy. But, when there's a "critical illness" in one of your units, you become a "Scouting paramedic." You become a "lifesaving commissioner." Without intensive care from you or a team of lifesavers, such a unit could become terminal and stop serving kids.

Dead units, obviously, provide no help to youth. Perhaps your district volunteers have made a pact not to lose another unit. Perhaps you have made a commitment never to lose a unit. That will require prompt, intensive, and often persistent care when major problems occur.

Check out this essential section for guidelines on ...

How to watch the vital signs

Going into action fast

Typical "hurry cases":

Unit not meeting

Unit with no Leader

Unit with no committee

Unit with no new members

Unit conflict with the chartered organization

New unit leader who lacks orientation on training

Unit with weak leadership

How To Remove a Volunteer

Counseling—the ability to listen and react in a way that will help others solve their own problems.

Youth Protection and the role of the commissioner.

Charter RenewalThis section is the basic authority on the unit charter renewal process including the unit charter renewal meeting, how to do a membership inventory, and how to present a charter.

Unit Commissioner Training

List of commissioner resources

Self-Evaluation for unit commissioners. Includes 4 commissioner models—one is exceptional, one is bad news, and two just need a lot of help and guidance.